February 21, 2024

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From the Bishop

Look for the folks who need to know that they belong


Referencing the fact that in the past year, the United States has experienced the largest number of deaths by suicide than it has in its history, Bishop Hughes urges us, as we move through Lent, to be a little more aware and sensitive to those who might be feeling left out. (Time:3:44 | Read the transcript.)

Bishop Hughes: Look for the folks who need to know that they belong

Diocesan Events - Register Now!

What's next, God? Discernment for all ages and stages of life

TUE, MAR 12 | 7-8:30 PM | Zoom

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In this workshop Canon Clark and Missioner Cynthia McChesney will lead a discussion about ways to see the stages of our lives, how to invite God into our decision-making, and how to cultivate discernment practices throughout all our lives.


This “talking about faith” program is suited for everyone and for all ages. Find out more and register online.

Upcoming training


Candidates standing for office at the Annual Diocesan Convention, and all clergy, must complete anti-racism and anti-sexism training.


Anti-Sexism Training

SAT, MAR 2 | 8:30 AM - 3 PM | Grace, Madison

Register online by 12 noon this Friday, Feb. 23

2024 Confirmations

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Confirmation services

Of the six Confirmation services being held this April & May, two have already reached maximum capacity. Registration for each of the four remaining services will close automatically once its maximum number of Candidates is reached, or on March 1, whichever comes first.


Clergy and Wardens - to see the open services and register your parish's candidates, visit the Confirmation webpage.

Confirmation retreats

Youth candidates are encouraged to attend the Confirmation Retreat, and adult candidates are invited to dinner and conversation with Bishop Hughes. Information is below.

Pre-Confirmation dinner and conversation with the Bishop (adult candidates)

TUE, MAR 19 | 7 PM | St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood

Register & pay online by 5 PM on Friday, March 15.

Confirmation retreat for youth candidates

FRI, MAR 22, 7 PM - SAT, MAR 23, 3 PM Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

Register & pay online by 5 PM on Monday, March 18.

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General Convention Summer Trip

SAT, JUN 22 - FRI, JUN 28


The Youth Commission is excited to open Registration for the 2024 Diocese of Newark Summer Youth Trip, for youth in grades 8-12!


This year youth will be traveling to Louisville, KY during the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. While there, youth will get to see some of the workings of our denomination, connect with other youth from across the Episcopal Church, meet with our Bishop, take part in spiritual formation, participate in justice activities/missions... and of course there will be lots of fun and food included. Find out more and register online.

Happening at Our Congregations

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The Sky’s the Limit Thrift Store: A ministry of unexpected blessings

By the Rev. Deacon Jill Singleton


A teacher came to the Rev. Melissa Hall, Rector of St. James, Upper Montclair, for help, and the Holy Spirit answered.


Recently hired to launch a new program designed to give young adults with special needs a chance to be employed and learn life-changing career skills that have the potential to transform their lives, Gabe Bauer didn’t know where to start.


“Gabe told me she couldn’t get jobs for her kids,” explained Hall. “And that’s when it happened. I closed my eyes and it was a real Holy Spirit moment. I said, ‘We’re going to open a thrift store called The Sky’s the Limit. And your students are going to run it.’” Read more.

#NunTok on TikTok


Our own Sister Monica Clare of the Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham is featured in the "TikTok Sparks Good" ad series (right, time: 1:00), talking about her TikTok channel @nunsenseforthepeople, which has created a community where people feel safe asking questions about spirituality.

Sister Monica sparks dialogue about spirituality on #NunTok | TikTok Sparks Good

In the news

Send links to media coverage via email.


NJ Ashes to Go 2024: Where to find an outdoor Ash Wednesday service in North Jersey

FEB 13, 2024 | The Record


New Jersey residents receive Ash Wednesday ashes on the go

FEB 14, 2024 | News12 NJ

Pastor Aaron Oliver of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church: A Guiding Light among Deployed Soldiers

JAN 16, 2024 | Parsippany Focus


As more migrants arrive in N.J., churches and religious charities step up to help

FEB 18, 2024 | NJ.com

The Rev. Dr. Miguel Hernandez of Holy Trinity, West Orange is interviewed in this article.

Community events

Want to submit your church's public events to the Community Calendar? See the User Guide.

Lenten Organ Recital

FRI, FEB 23 & Mar 1, 8, 15, 22 | 12:15-12:45 PM | Grace, Madison


Lenten Fish Fry Fridays

FRI, FEB 23 & MAR 1, 8, 15, 22 | 6-8 PM | St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange


Choral Evensong for Lent

SUN, FEB 25 | 4 PM | All Saints, Hoboken


Lenten Quiet Day Retreat

SAT, MAR 16 | 10 AM - 1:30 PM | All Saints', Millington

Registration For Free ESL Classes

THU, FEB 29 | 6:30 PM | St. Andrew & Holy Communion, South Orange


Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert

SAT, MAR 2 | 7 PM | Calvary, Summit


The Philadelphia Eleven Film Screening

SUN, MAR 10 | 5 PM | All Saints, Hoboken


St. Patrick's Day Dinner

SAT, MAR 16 | 12-5 PM | St. Cyprian's, Hackensack

Black History Month

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Black History Month book recommendations


For Black History Month here are five book recommendations, for both youth and adults, from Bishop Hughes and her staff. Read more.

Send your photos of Black History Month observances


We would love to see photo of how parishes are observing Black History Month! Use this form to submit your photo and caption, and you may see it on the diocesan Facebook page or Instagram feed this month.

Diocesan Announcements

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Scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year

Union of Black Episcopalians Scholarship

Application deadline: MAR 22

Open to all high school seniors who are actively engaged in a parish in the Diocese of Newark.

Gertrude Butts Scholarship

Application deadline: APR 22

Open to students who demonstrate financial need and who are members of a parish in the Diocese of Newark, with a special emphasis on orphans or children of single parents.

George E. Rath Scholarship

Application Deadline: MAY 15 Provides children of canonically resident clergy with extra financial assistance for college expenses at accredited four-year education institutions.

Clergy ministry transitions

See all clergy ministry transitions in 2024.

Departures


JAN 28 - The Rev. Canon Robert Griner

Assisting Clergy at Christ Church, Short Hills

Arrivals


FEB 11 - The Rev. Canon Robert Griner

Priest Associate at Grace, Madison

CPG webinars TOMORROW:

Clergy Tax Talk 2024 for Active & Retired Clergy


Tomorrow, Feb. 22, CPG is offering two webinars regarding 2024 tax issues affecting clergy. There are separate webinars for active and retired clergy. For questions, please contact Diocesan Benefits Administrator Leslie Thomas at lthomas@dioceseofnewark.org.

Webinar for ACTIVE Clergy

12 PM Eastern

Click here to find out more & register

Webinar for RETIRED Clergy

2 PM Eastern

Click here to find out more & register

Convention Corner

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The new Youth Convo coming this November


A big change is coming to the Convention for youth this November! The introduction of technology to our voting system has caused a reduced amount of work for the youth volunteers. As a result, the opportunity to create a new program called Youth Convo has become a reality. This exciting new program created by the Youth Commission in partnership with Cross Roads, will be the place to be for youth in grades 9-12 across the diocese. Read more.

Volunteer opportunities at Convention


The Arrangements Committee is looking for talented people to help at the Convention. Read more for some examples of what we are currently looking for. Please share the details with your congregations - we never know who feels God is calling them to greater things.

Convention reference information


Convention webpage: dioceseofnewark.org/convention


Contacts



Dates & deadlines


  • 261 days until the 150th Convention!
  • Registration deadline for Youth Convo: TBA
  • Arrangement Committee Volunteer sign up: FEB 29
  • Nominations deadlines: SEP 13 (late Nominees NOV 1)
  • Registration dates for Deputations and all canonically resident Clergy: SEP 16, 12 NOON (forms to be sent May/June)
  • Hotel reservations deadline at group rate: OCT 8
  • Registration date for Guests: OCT 18

Happening at Our Camp

Cross Roads is the ecumenical camp and retreat center of our diocese and the NJ Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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Upcoming events at Cross Roads


Middle and High School Retreat (grades 6-12)

FRI, MAR 8 - SUN, MAR 10

Attendees are guaranteed to have a wonderful weekend filled with activities, worship, and laughter. Cost: $95.


Wednesdays Away

A time of spiritual renewal hosted by Cross Roads throughout the year. Includes prayer and conversation led by a spiritual director and focusing on a different spiritual practice or theme each month. These retreats are open to all people interested in exploring new faith practices.


Opening Day

SAT, MAY 18 | 9 AM - 1 PM

Opening Day at Cross Roads is a fun work-day event. Individuals, youth groups, families, and congregational groups are invited to come to camp to volunteer with a few projects as we get camp ready for the summer season! It will be a day of fun, fellowship, and giving back to camp. There will be projects for all skill levels. If you have special skills or tools (chainsaws, leaf blowers, etc.) please bring them with you! The event includes a free lunch.

February Poll Results

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